Australia sets unique Ashes record at Sydney Cricket Ground

On Day 3 of the fifth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Australia produced a historic batting display that etched their name into a 134-year-old chapter of Test cricket. Following a shock defeat at the MCG in the Boxing Day Test, the hosts are firmly in control of the series, aiming for a 4-1 triumph.

Travis Head led the charge with a brilliant 163, while Steve Smith remained unbeaten on 129, marking his 37th Test century. Australia ended the day at 529 for 7, establishing a commanding first-innings lead of 134 runs over England, who were dismissed for 384 despite Joe Root’s superb 160.

The innings was notable for its exceptional consistency across the batting order, producing seven partnerships of 50 or more runs — a feat previously achieved only once in 134 years of Test history, by India at The Oval in 2007 under Rahul Dravid. However, in the innings, a 27-run stand between Alex Carey and Smith fell short of a half-century.

In Ashes history, seven 50-plus partnerships in a single innings had never been achieved, with the previous best dating back to England’s six stands at Adelaide in 1892, underscoring the rarity of Australia’s effort at the SCG. (With inputs from Agencies)